Chobani Recalls Moldy Yogurt as FDA Investigates
Chobani is recalling some of its Greek yogurt products because of mold, after customers reported illnesses.
The official recall comes after Chobani "quietly" asked retailers to pull some of its yogurt products from store shelves last week, The Associated Press reports. Customers and retailers complained about "swelling and bloating" in certain containers; some of the yogurt smelled foul and tasted "fizzy."
The Chobani recall is voluntary, meaning it was the company's decision. Still, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating.
Mold in Certain Containers
The New York-based company claims the tarnished products came from an Idaho facility and represent less than 5 percent of its total production. Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya says the problem stems from a type of mold that is commonly associated with dairy products.
The mold grew because Chobani's products don't contain preservatives, Ulukaya said, according to the AP. But he added the problem is now "totally fixed."
According to the press release from the FDA, the recalled Chobani containers have expiration dates from September 11 to October 7, and are marked with the code 16-012. They include all flavors in the following sizes:
- Chobani 6 oz. cups,
- Chobani 16 oz. tubs,
- Chobani 32 oz. tubs,
- Chobani 3.5 oz. cups,
- Chobani Bite 3.5 oz. cups,
- Chobani Flip 5.3 oz. containers,
- Chobani Champions 3.5 oz. cups, and
- Chobani Champions 2.25 oz. tubes, sold in packages of 8, 16 and 36.
Are You a Chobani Customer?
Chobani did not state how many illnesses were reported, but if you have consumed any of the Chobani products listed above and got sick, make sure you seek medical attention immediately. Linking your illness to a recalled product is a key step toward filing a food poisoning or product liability lawsuit.
For customers who purchased any of the affected containers, Chobani advises you to discard the products and contact Chobani's Customer Loyalty Team online. They can also be reached at (877) 847-6181 betweeb 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Chobani is currently working to issue refunds or replacements.
Related Resources:
- Chobani recalls moldy yogurt after complaints, FDA probe (Reuters)
- Food Recalls (FindLaw)
- Food Poisoning and Food Safety Resources (FindLaw)
- FDA Campfire Stories: 3 Spooky Food Recalls (FindLaw's Injured)